Where the Boys Aren't: The Disappearing Male

The other day, a dear friend and I were talking about chemicals in sunscreen. "If you don't use the sunscreen with chemicals," she said, "then you get skin cancer and have to endure a whole lot more chemicals--chemo." But I want sunscreen without the dangerous chemicals period. You might avoid skin cancer by using sunscreen only to end up with breast cancer from the parabens in it. I don't like the skin cancer--breast cancer choice, how about no cancer at all? Let's get out of this damned if you do, damned if you don't cycle.

While it's true that if you get skin cancer you might be subjected to harsh chemicals, it's also true that those chemicals in sunscreens and fragrances and shampoos and laundry detergent are quietly destroying our bodies, our environment and our species.

Pesticides, BPA, Dioxins, Phthalates, PCBs, etc. are having a dire effect on the human species. Sperm counts are down 50% in 50 years, and over half of that is abnormal. Cancers, fetal abnormalities, genital deformities, infertility, are all consequences of living in our chemical drenched world. It doesn't have to be this way! Please watch the CBC documentary, THE DISAPPEARING MALE for a sobering look at the consequences of chemical use.

Unfortunately government regulation hasn't worked to protect us. But we are not helpless. There are two things that can change this--we all get educated about dangerous chemicals and which products contain them (and I'm talking about things you find in your grocery store and hardware store), and we stop buying them. I know we don't have a lot of options right now on the green market, but if we keep buying what is available, the market will respond.

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Seriously, SIGG?

When news was breaking big about the dangers of BPA in 2007-8, smart companies like Nalgene immediately discontinued use and told customers to come and trade in their old bottles for new BPA free bottles. It looks like SIGG was weasely about this, having known that their liners contained BPA and not disclosing it, conveniently cashing in on the BPA-Free frenzy.

This doesn't sit well with me. They've just issued a statement on their website that reads a little bit like something from a politician. They knew consumers were buying their bottles to escape BPA and did not disclose this key information. I'm disappointed in SIGG. You decide how you feel about it, but you might want to check your bottles if you have any Sigg and make sure they have the newer BPA free lining. Read more about this HERE and HERE.

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Product Review: Klean Kanteen

Want to avoid BPA in your drinks? Klean Kanteen bottles are wonderful. They are non-toxic, non-leaching light weight stainless steel bottles in various sizes, even sippy cups! I have several and use them all the time. No plastic aftertaste, and they look cool. They offer different types of caps, including one with polycarbonate plastic (that's the stuff with BPA which the company actually cautions you about--a good thing, they're honest) so you can decide for yourself if a moment on the lips is dangerous or not. I prefer to avoid it altogether, but if you don't, at least your liquid isn't sitting in a bottle leaching the BPA.

This is also a great way to save money. Just fill your favorite beverage up from a more economical container at home and you're off. Or, fill them up from your own home filtration system--those individual plastic water bottles are horrible for you and the environment. I've even heard plastic water bottle users referred to as the new smokers. Klean Kanten bottles are the best I've found yet, and I've tried several brands. Thumbs up!

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